Featured Golf Course
In this section learn more about the history of the course and its hometown, see a selection of historic and current images of the course, learn about what the course is like today, and discover nearby historic sites.
Pinecrest Golf Club
History
The Pinecrest Golf Club is located in the City of Avon Park in Highlands County.
In the 1890’s Harlan Page Davidson, his wife Adelaide, came to Avon Park from Illinois. Harlan was the founder and president of the Northwestern Military and Naval Academy. They purchased a tract of land on Lake Lotela for a hotel and golf course. Unfortunately, he passed away before his dream could be realized.
Years later in 1925, his son, Col. Royal Page Davidson, began to develop the same tract of land on the south shore of Lake Lotela to be known as Pine Crest Lakes. The development was planned by A.D. Taylor, a city planner and landscape architect from Cleveland, Ohio. Golf course architect William Herbert "Bert" Way of Cleveland Ohio, who worked with Taylor, was contracted to design an 18-hole hole golf course. Bill Zerrenner of Wisconsin was brought in to supervise the construction.
By the end of 1926, nine holes of the golf course were completed, and Joseph J. Sturm was hired as the golf professional. To celebrate the opening of the golf course, Sturm organized a golf tournament for amateurs and an exhibition match between several Florida professionals. On December 16, 1926, the golf course officially opened. Over 100 golfers competed in the first Pine Crest Lake golf tournament with golfers from Bartow, Lake Wales, Frostproof, Sebring, Babson Park, Haines City and others competing.
New owners took over in 1935 and expanded the golf course from 9 to 18 holes. The course was described as one of the sportiest in the state and because of its landscaping it was also one of the most enjoyable courses to play. Orange and tangerine trees bordered several fairways, and a clear flowing stream ran through the course.
Col. R. P. Davidson Developing Pine Crest Lakes Subdivision and Bertie Way Laying out Golf Course
Original Layout of Pine Crest Lakes Subdivision and Golf Course - November 30, 1925
Col. Royal P. Davidson Playing Golf at Pinecrest c1926
View of Pinecrest Golf Course c1926
4th Green at Pinecrest Golf Course c1926
5th Tee at Pinecrest Golf Course c1926
Ladies at 5th Tee at Pinecrest Golf Course c1926
5th Green at Pinecrest Golf course c1926
Vintage Postcard of Pinecrest Clubhouse and Hotel
Today
The Pinecrest Golf Club includes an 18-hole, par-72 golf course featuring five sets of tees playing from 4,900 to 6,700 yards. The multiple tees allow players to select a course length that can be either challenging or friendly and fun. Its traditional layout is bordered by beautiful orange groves and natural wooded areas. Unlike many Florida courses, Pinecrest doesn't wind its way through condominiums, winter homes and hotels. Pinecrest features relatively open fairways with tricky approaches and challenging greens.
View of Pinecrest Golf Course
View of Pinecrest Golf Course
View of Pinecrest Golf Course and Orange Grove
Pinecrest Golf Course Scorecard
Local Knowledge
In December 1959, Pinecrest Golf Club was the site of a televised match-play elimination golf tournament for one of the biggest purse in golf at the time $171,000. The tournament was part of "World Championship Golf” which was televised over the NBC-TV network and hosted by Bob Crosby (Bing Crosby’s brother). The eight golfers who played were all Ryder Cup team members. Dr. Cary Middlecoff, a former dentist, won the event. The matches were aired the following year on NBC in May.
World Championship Golf Series - Six Top Golfers Play for Cameras at Avon Park
Don January 2nd Hole Chip at Pinecrest Golf Club
Cameras Ready for Jay Hebert Putt at Pinecrest Golf Club
Announcer Bob Crosby with Dutch Harrison
Cary Middlecoff is the Winner of the World Championship Golf Series
Inside the Leather
Located in the historic Seaboard Air Line Railroad Station, the Depot Museum and Historical Society of Avon Park is a local history museum in Avon Park, Florida. The museum features exhibits that depict the life and times of Avon Park, such as the "Old Home" exhibit, which recreates what an average household looked like in the early 1900s; the Military Room, which displays WWI and II uniforms and memorabilia; and the town's old telephone switchboard which was used until 1985. The museum also has a research room that contains various old newspapers and other materials.
Another highlight of the museum is the California Zephyr Railroad Silver Palm Dining car, which is displayed on the museum grounds and is used for special events and to host public luncheons. Visit www.avonparkhistoricalsociety.com for more details.
The Historic Seaboard Air Line Railroad Station Building
"Old Home" Exhibit at the Depot Museum and Historical Society of Avon Park
"Brown n Serve" Exhibit, an Avon Park Original Invention, at the Depot Museum and Historical Society of Avon Park
The California Zephyr Silver Palm Dining Car at the Depot Museum and Historical Society of Avon Park
Interior of the California Zephyr Silver Palm Dining Car at the Depot Museum and Historical Society of Avon Par
Visit - Contact
Pinecrest Golf Club
2250 South Little Lake Bonnet Road
Avon Park, Florida 33825
2250 South Little Lake Bonnet Road
Avon Park, Florida 33825
View the Website
Phone:
863.453.7555